Internet addresses ending in .london will be available next year after ICANN, the global internet body, signed a contract this week giving the new system the formal go-ahead. New York became the first United States' city to have its own domain name, after ICANN approved .nyc in June. London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional organisation for London, successfully applied to ICANN in 2012 to set up and manage the new .london domain.
The agreement means that London-based businesses, organisations and individuals will be able to apply first for new web addresses ending in .london from spring 2014, allowing them to boost their internet presence and identify themselves online with the UK's capital city.
“Adopting the .london suffix will enable organisations to more closely associate themselves with our great city’s powerful global brand,” said the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. "This is also an excellent opportunity to expand London’s digital presence, which in turn is set to generate funds to invest back into the city."
London & Partners has set up a subsidiary – Dot London Domains Ltd – to operate the new registry. It has also procured a registry services provider, Minds + Machines, which is working in partnership to set up and operate the domain. Dot London will operate on a commercial basis and any surplus profits will be "re-invested for the benefit of London", according to London & Partners.
Source: The Telegraph
